Pepper hybrids svps5056, svps5059, and svps5063 and parents thereof

ABSTRACT

The invention provides seeds and plants of pepper hybrids SVPS5056, SVPS5059, and SVPS5063 and pepper inbred lines SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, and SMY-E716-0827. The invention thus relates to the plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrids SVPS5056, SVPS5059, and SVPS5063 and pepper inbred lines SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, and SMY-E716-0827 and to methods for producing a pepper plant produced by crossing such plants with themselves or with another plant, such as a pepper plant of another genotype. The invention further relates to seeds and plants produced by such crossing. The invention further relates to plants, seeds, plant parts, and tissue cultures of pepper hybrids SVPS5056, SVPS5059, and SVPS5063 and pepper inbred lines SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, and SMY-E716-0827 comprising introduced beneficial or desirable traits.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the priority of U.S. Provisional Appl. Ser. No.62/676,431, filed May 25, 2018, the entire disclosure of which isincorporated herein by reference.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The present invention relates to the field of plant breeding and, morespecifically, to the development of pepper hybrids SVPS5056, SVPS5059,and SVPS5063 and pepper inbred lines SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828,SMY-E716-0811, and SMY-E716-0827.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

The goal of vegetable breeding is to combine various desirable traits ina single variety. Such desirable traits may include any trait deemedbeneficial or desirable by a grower or consumer, including greateryield, resistance to insects or disease, tolerance to environmentalstress, and nutritional value.

Breeding techniques take advantage of a plant's method of pollination.There are two general methods of pollination: a plant self-pollinates ifpollen from one flower is transferred to the same or another flower ofthe same plant or plant variety. A plant cross-pollinates if pollencomes to it from a flower of a different plant variety.

Plants that have been self-pollinated and selected for type over manygenerations become homozygous at almost all genetic loci and produce auniform population of true breeding progeny, a homozygous plant. A crossbetween two such homozygous plants of different genotypes produces auniform population of hybrid plants that are heterozygous for manygenetic loci. Conversely, a cross of two plants each heterozygous at anumber of loci produces a population of hybrid plants that differgenetically and are not uniform. The resulting non-uniformity makesperformance unpredictable.

The development of uniform varieties requires the development ofhomozygous inbred plants, the crossing of these inbred plants, and theevaluation of the crosses. Pedigree breeding and recurrent selection areexamples of breeding methods that have been used to develop inbredplants from breeding populations. Those breeding methods combine thegenetic backgrounds from two or more plants or various other broad-basedsources into breeding pools from which new lines and hybrids derivedtherefrom are developed by selfing and selection of desired phenotypes.The new lines and hybrids are evaluated to determine which of those havecommercial potential.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In one aspect, the present invention provides a pepper plant of hybridSVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or line SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828,SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827. Also provided are pepper plants havingall the physiological and morphological characteristics of such a plant.Parts of these pepper plants are also provided, for example, includingpollen, an ovule, an embryo, a seed, a scion, a rootstock, a fruit, anda cell of the plant.

In another aspect of the invention, a plant of pepper hybrid SVPS5056,SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper line SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828,SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827 comprising an added heritable trait isprovided. The heritable trait may comprise a genetic locus that is, forexample, a dominant or recessive allele. In one embodiment of theinvention, a plant of pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 orpepper line SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, orSMY-E716-0827 is defined as comprising a single locus conversion. Inspecific embodiments of the invention, an added genetic locus confersone or more traits such as, for example, herbicide tolerance, insectresistance, disease resistance, and modified carbohydrate metabolism. Infurther embodiments, the trait may be conferred by a naturally occurringgene introduced into the genome of a line by backcrossing, a natural orinduced mutation, or a transgene introduced through genetictransformation techniques into the plant or a progenitor of any previousgeneration thereof. When introduced through transformation, a geneticlocus may comprise one or more genes integrated at a single chromosomallocation.

In some embodiments, a single locus conversion includes one or moresite-specific changes to the plant genome, such as, without limitation,one or more nucleotide modifications, deletions, or insertions. A singlelocus may comprise one or more genes or nucleotides integrated ormutated at a single chromosomal location. In one embodiment, a singlelocus conversion may be introduced by a genetic engineering technique,methods of which include, for example, genome editing with engineerednucleases (GEEN). Engineered nucleases include, but are not limited to,Cas endonucleases; zinc finger nucleases (ZFNs); transcriptionactivator-like effector nucleases (TALENs); engineered meganucleases,also known as homing endonucleases; and other endonucleases for DNA orRNA-guided genome editing that are well-known to the skilled artisan.

The invention also concerns the seed of pepper hybrids SVPS5056,SVPS5059, and SVPS5063 and pepper lines SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828,SMY-E716-0811, and SMY-E716-0827. The seed of the invention may beprovided as an essentially homogeneous population of seed of pepperhybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper line SMY-E716-0810,SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827. Essentially homogeneouspopulations of seed are generally free from substantial numbers of otherseed. Therefore, seed of pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063or pepper lines SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, orSMY-E716-0827 may be defined as forming at least about 97% of the totalseed, including at least about 98%, 99%, or more of the seed. The seedpopulation may be separately grown to provide an essentially homogeneouspopulation of pepper plants designated SVPS5056, SVPS5059, SVPS5063,SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827.

In yet another aspect of the invention, a tissue culture of regenerablecells of a pepper plant of hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 orline SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827 isprovided. The tissue culture will preferably be capable of regeneratingpepper plants capable of expressing all of the physiological andmorphological characteristics of the starting plant and of regeneratingplants having substantially the same genotype as the starting plant.Examples of some of the physiological and morphological characteristicsof pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper lineSMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827 includethose traits set forth in the tables herein. The regenerable cells insuch tissue cultures may be derived, for example, from embryos,meristems, cotyledons, pollen, leaves, anthers, roots, root tips,pistils, flowers, seed, and stalks. Still further, the present inventionprovides pepper plants regenerated from a tissue culture of theinvention, the plants having all the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 orpepper line SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, orSMY-E716-0827.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, processes are provided forproducing pepper seeds, plants, and fruit, which processes generallycomprise crossing a first parent pepper plant with a second parentpepper plant, wherein at least one of the first or second parent plantsis a plant of pepper line SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811,or SMY-E716-0827. These processes may be further exemplified asprocesses for preparing hybrid pepper seed or plants, wherein a firstpepper plant is crossed with a second pepper plant of a different,distinct genotype to provide a hybrid that has, as one of its parents, aplant of pepper line SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, orSMY-E716-0827. In these processes, crossing will result in theproduction of seed. The seed production occurs regardless of whether theseed is collected or not.

In one embodiment of the invention, the first step in “crossing”comprises planting seeds of a first and second parent pepper plant,often in proximity so that pollination will occur for example, mediatedby insect vectors. Alternatively, pollen can be transferred manually.Where the plant is self-pollinated, pollination may occur without theneed for direct human intervention other than plant cultivation.

A second step may comprise cultivating or growing the seeds of first andsecond parent pepper plants into plants that bear flowers. A third stepmay comprise preventing self-pollination of the plants, such as byemasculating the flowers (i.e., killing or removing the pollen).

A fourth step for a hybrid cross may comprise cross-pollination betweenthe first and second parent pepper plants. Yet another step comprisesharvesting the seeds from at least one of the parent pepper plants. Theharvested seed can be grown to produce a pepper plant or hybrid pepperplant.

The present invention also provides the pepper seeds and plants producedby a process that comprises crossing a first parent pepper plant with asecond parent pepper plant, wherein at least one of the first or secondparent pepper plants is a plant of pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, orSVPS5063 or pepper line SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, orSMY-E716-0827. In one embodiment of the invention, pepper seed andplants produced by the process are first generation (F₁) hybrid pepperseed and plants produced by crossing a plant in accordance with theinvention with another, distinct plant. The present invention furthercontemplates plant parts of such an F₁ hybrid pepper plant, and methodsof use thereof. Therefore, certain exemplary embodiments of theinvention provide an F₁ hybrid pepper plant and seed thereof.

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides a method ofproducing a plant derived from pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, orSVPS5063 or pepper line SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, orSMY-E716-0827, the method comprising the steps of: (a) preparing aprogeny plant derived from pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063or pepper line SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, orSMY-E716-0827, wherein said preparing comprises crossing a plant ofpepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper lineSMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827 with asecond plant; and (b) crossing the progeny plant with itself or a secondplant to produce a seed of a progeny plant of a subsequent generation.In further embodiments, the method may additionally comprise: (c)growing a progeny plant of a subsequent generation from said seed of aprogeny plant of a subsequent generation and crossing the progeny plantof a subsequent generation with itself or a second plant; and repeatingthe steps for an additional 3-10 generations to produce a plant derivedfrom pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper lineSMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827. The plantderived from pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepperline SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827 maybe an inbred line, and the aforementioned repeated crossing steps may bedefined as comprising sufficient inbreeding to produce the inbred line.In the method, it may be desirable to select particular plants resultingfrom step (c) for continued crossing according to steps (b) and (c). Byselecting plants having one or more desirable traits, a plant derivedfrom pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper lineSMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827 isobtained which possesses some of the desirable traits of the line/hybridas well as potentially other selected traits.

In certain embodiments, the present invention provides a method ofproducing food or feed comprising: (a) obtaining a plant of pepperhybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper line SMY-E716-0810,SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827, wherein the plant hasbeen cultivated to maturity, and (b) collecting at least one pepper fromthe plant.

In still yet another aspect of the invention, the genetic complement ofpepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper lineSMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827 isprovided. The phrase “genetic complement” is used to refer to theaggregate of nucleotide sequences, the expression of which sequencesdefines the phenotype of, in the present case, a pepper plant, or a cellor tissue of that plant. A genetic complement thus represents thegenetic makeup of a cell, tissue or plant, and a hybrid geneticcomplement represents the genetic make-up of a hybrid cell, tissue orplant. The invention thus provides pepper plant cells that have agenetic complement in accordance with the pepper plant cells disclosedherein, and seeds and plants containing such cells.

Plant genetic complements may be assessed by genetic marker profiles,and by the expression of phenotypic traits that are characteristic ofthe expression of the genetic complement, e.g., isozyme typing profiles.It is understood that pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 orpepper line SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, orSMY-E716-0827 could be identified by any of the many well-knowntechniques such as, for example, Simple Sequence Length Polymorphisms(SSLPs) (Williams et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 1 8:6531-6535, 1990),Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), DNA AmplificationFingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized Amplified Regions (SCARs),Arbitrary Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR), Amplified FragmentLength Polymorphisms (AFLPs) (EP 534 858, specifically incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety), and Single NucleotidePolymorphisms (SNPs) (Wang et al., Science, 280:1077-1082, 1998).

In still yet another aspect, the present invention provides hybridgenetic complements, as represented by pepper plant cells, tissues,plants, and seeds, formed by the combination of a haploid geneticcomplement of a pepper plant of the invention with a haploid geneticcomplement of a second pepper plant, preferably, another, distinctpepper plant. In another aspect, the present invention provides a pepperplant regenerated from a tissue culture that comprises a hybrid geneticcomplement of this invention.

Any embodiment discussed herein with respect to one aspect of theinvention applies to other aspects of the invention as well, unlessspecifically noted.

The term “about” is used to indicate that a value includes the standarddeviation of the mean for the device or method being employed todetermine the value. The use of the term “or” in the claims is used tomean “and/or” unless explicitly indicated to refer to alternatives onlyor the alternatives are mutually exclusive. When used in conjunctionwith the word “comprising” or other open language in the claims, thewords “a” and “an” denote “one or more,” unless specifically notedotherwise. The terms “comprise,” “have,” and “include” are open-endedlinking verbs. Any forms or tenses of one or more of these verbs, suchas “comprises,” “comprising,” “has,” “having,” “includes,” and“including,” are also open-ended. For example, any method that“comprises,” “has,” or “includes” one or more steps is not limited topossessing only those one or more steps and also covers other unlistedsteps. Similarly, any plant that “comprises,” “has,” or “includes” oneor more traits is not limited to possessing only those one or moretraits and covers other unlisted traits.

Other objects, features, and advantages of the present invention willbecome apparent from the following detailed description. It should beunderstood, however, that the detailed description and any specificexamples provided, while indicating specific embodiments of theinvention, are given by way of illustration only, since various changesand modifications within the spirit and scope of the invention willbecome apparent to those skilled in the art from this detaileddescription.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

The invention provides methods and compositions relating to plants,seeds, and derivatives of pepper hybrids SVPS5056, SVPS5059, andSVPS5063 and pepper lines SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811,and SMY-E716-0827.

Pepper hybrid SVPS5063, also known as 15-E7-SPE-5063, is a sweet bellpepper variety characterized by a small-medium plant that produces aheavy set of green maturing to yellow fruit about 85 days aftertransplanting. The intended use for the fruit is at the fully-coloredyellow stage at which point the fruit have good firmness. The three orfour-lobed fruit exhibit a fairly-square shape and weigh approximately60 g. Fruit are approximately 6 cm long by 6 cm wide with alength-to-diameter ratio between 0.9 and 1.1. The variety comprises ahigh degree of resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoriaraces 0-10 and tobamovirus pathotype P0. The variety is intended foropen-field production in the southeastern, middle-Atlantic, andmidwestern United States and Australia and may also be suited for NorthCarolina, Canada, and other open-field growing conditions where there isa need for resistance to Xanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria races0-10.

Pepper line SMY-E716-0810 is an inbred variety characterized by amedium-small, anthocyaninless plant that produces a concentrated set offirm, small green fruit that mature to yellow. The fruit typicallyexpress a length-to-diameter ratio near 1 with a preponderance offour-lobed shapes. The variety comprises resistance to Xanthomonascampestris pv. Vesicatoria races 0-10 and tobamovirus pathotype P0.

Pepper line SMY-E716-0828 is an inbred variety.

Pepper line SMY-E716-0811 is an inbred variety characterized by amedium-small, anthocyaninless plant that produces a concentrated set offirm, small green fruit that mature to yellow. The fruit typicallyexpress a length-to-diameter ratio near 1 with a preponderance offour-lobed shapes. The variety comprises resistance to Xanthomonascampestris pv. Vesicatoria races 0-10 and tobamovirus pathotype P₀ andbs5 and bs6.

Pepper line SMY-E716-0827 is an inbred varieties characterized bymedium, anthocyaninless plant that produces a heavy, gradual set offirm, small green fruit that mature to medium-yellow. The fruittypically express a length-to-diameter ratio near 1.5 with apreponderance of three-lobed shapes. The variety comprises resistance toXanthomonas campestris pv. Vesicatoria races 0-10 (homozygous) andtobamovirus pathotype P0 and bs5.

Pepper lines SMY-E716-0810 and SMY-E716-0811 are independently-selectedfrom a common F₅ family.

Pepper lines SMY-E716-0828 and SMY-E716-0827 are independently-selectedfrom a common F₅ family.

A. Origin and Breeding History of Pepper Hybrids SVPS5056, SVPS5059, andSVPS5063

The parents of pepper hybrid SVPS5056 are pepper lines SMY-E716-0810 andSMY-E716-0827. The parents of pepper hybrid SVPS5059 are pepper linesSMY-E716-0811 and SMY-E716-0827. The parents of pepper hybrid SVPS5063are pepper lines SMY-E716-0810 and SMY-E716-0828.

The parent lines are uniform and stable, as are hybrids producedtherefrom. A small percentage of variants can occur within commerciallyacceptable limits for almost any characteristic during the course ofrepeated multiplication. However no variants are expected.

B. Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Pepper HybridsSVPS5056, SVPS5059, and SVPS5063 and Pepper Lines SMY-E716-0810,SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, and SMY-E716-0827

In accordance with one aspect of the present invention, there areprovided plants having the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of pepper hybrids SVPS5056, SVPS5059, and SVPS5063 andpepper lines SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, andSMY-E716-0827. Descriptions of the physiological and morphologicalcharacteristics of such plants are presented in the tables that follow.

TABLE 1 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Pepper HybridSVPS5056 CHARACTERISTIC SVPS5056 Early Cal Wonder Species C. annuum C.annuum Maturity (region of best adaptability) transplanting until maturegreen stage (days) 52 74 transplanting until mature red or yellow 79 83stage (days) direct seeding until mature green stage 100 122 (days)direct seeding until mature red or yellow 127 131 stage (days) beginningof flowering (first flower on early early second flowering node) time ofmaturity early medium Plant habit semi-spreading semi-spreading attitudesemi-upright/semi-erect semi-upright/semi-erect height (cm) 31.1 39.8width (cm) 47.5 47.2 length of stem from cotyledon to first flower (cm)9.8 12.7 length of the third internode (from soil 54.7 74.6 surface)(mm) length of stem long short shortened internode (upper part) absentabsent length of internode (primary side shoots) medium medium(varieties without shortened internodes) hairiness of stem nodes weakabsent or very weak height short short basal branches none few (2-3)branch flexibility willowy willowy stem strength (breakage resistance)strong strong Leaf blade length medium medium blade width medium mediumwidth (mm) 49.3 49.7 length (mm) 112.8 111.8 petiole length (mm) 33.932.6 color dark green medium green color (RHS Color Chart Value) 137A137A mature shape ovate ovate leaf and stem pubescence light lightundulation of margin weak weak blistering medium weak profile in crosssection moderately concave moderately concave glossiness medium weakFlower peduncle attitude erect erect flowers per leaf axil 1 1 calyxlobes 6 6.7 petals 6.3 7 flower diameter (mm) 18.4 22.9 corolla colorwhite white corolla throat markings yellow yellow anther color yellowyellow style length same as stamen less than stamen self-incompatibilityabsent absent Fruit group bell bell immature color light green mediumgreen immature color (RHS Color Chart Value) 144A 146A attitude/positionhorizontal drooping/pendent length short medium diameter broad broadratio length/diameter small small calyx diameter (mm) 25.8 30.1 length(mm) 99.2 65.4 diameter at calyx attachment (mm) 49.1 65.4 diameter atmid-point (mm) 46.2 70.0 flesh thickness at mid-point (mm) 4.1 4.9average number of fruits per plant 18.6 8.8 average fruit weight (g)43.4 97.7 shape (longitudinal section) square square shape (crosssection, level of placenta) quadrangular quadrangular sinuation ofpericarp (at basal part) absent or very weak medium sinuation ofpericarp (excluding basal part) absent or very weak medium surfacetexture smooth or very slightly slightly wrinkled wrinkled surfacesmoothness smooth smooth mature color orange-yellow red mature color(RHS Color Chart Value) 21B 45A glossiness strong medium stalk cavityabsent present depth of stalk cavity N/A medium pedicel length (mm) 28.124.4 pedicel thickness (mm) 6.4 7.4 pedicel shape curved curved pedicelcavity absent present depth of pedicel cavity (mm) N/A 14 stalk lengthmedium short stalk thickness medium medium base shape rounded cuppedapex shape blunt, moderately blunt, moderately depressed depressed shapebell bell set concentrated concentrated depth of interloculary groovesvery shallow medium fruits with three locules (percentage) 66.70 46.60fruits with four locules (percentage) 33.30 46.70 fruits with five ormore locules (percentage) 0.00 6.70 average number of locules 3.3 3.6thickness of flesh thin medium calyx aspect enveloping/ non-enveloping/cup-shaped saucer-shaped pungency sweet sweet capsaicin in placentaabsent absent flavor strong pepper flavor strong pepper flavorglossiness shiny moderate Seed cavity length (mm) 50.7 51.1 cavitydiameter (mm) 36.2 59.31 placenta length (mm) 20.4 19.87 number of seedsper fruit 135.3 44.2 grams per 1000 seeds (g) 8.33 4.46 color yellowyellow Anthocyanin Coloration hypocotyl weak moderate stem absent absentnodes weak moderate leaf absent absent pedicel absent absent calyxabsent absent anther absent present fruit absent absentThese are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Valuesthat are substantially equivalent are within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 2 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Pepper HybridSVPS5059 CHARACTERISTIC SVPS5059 Early Cal Wonder Species C. annuum C.annuum Maturity (region of best adaptability) transplanting until maturegreen stage (days) 54 74 transplanting until mature red or yellow 79 83stage (days) direct seeding until mature green stage 102 122 (days)direct seeding until mature red or yellow 127 131 stage (days) beginningof flowering (first flower on early early second flowering node) time ofmaturity early medium Plant habit semi-spreading semi-spreading attitudesemi-upright/semi-erect semi-upright/semi-erect height (cm) 39.1 39.8width (cm) 48.5 47.2 length of stem from cotyledon to first flower 9.112.7 (cm) length of the third internode (from soil 48.1 74.6 surface)(mm) length of stem medium short shortened internode (upper part) absentabsent length of internode (primary side shoots) medium medium(varieties without shortened internodes) hairiness of stem nodes absentor very weak absent or very weak height medium short basal branches few(2-3) few (2-3) branch flexibility willowy willowy stem strength(breakage resistance) strong strong Leaf blade length long medium bladewidth medium medium width (mm) 48.9 49.7 length (mm) 111.1 111.8 petiolelength (mm) 40.9 32.6 color medium green medium green color (RHS ColorChart Value) 137B 137A mature shape lanceolate ovate leaf and stempubescence light light undulation of margin weak weak blistering mediumweak profile in cross section moderately concave moderately concaveglossiness weak weak Flower peduncle attitude erect erect flowers perleaf axil 1 1 calyx lobes 6.3 6.7 petals 6 7 flower diameter (mm) 19.322.9 corolla color white white corolla throat markings yellow yellowanther color yellow yellow style length less than stamen less thanstamen self-incompatibility absent absent Fruit group bell bell immaturecolor medium green medium green immature color (RHS Color Chart Value)N144C 146A attitude/position drooping/pendent drooping/pendent lengthshort medium diameter broad broad ratio length/diameter small smallcalyx diameter (mm) 25.9 30.1 length (mm) 68.1 65.4 diameter at calyxattachment (mm) 48.4 65.4 diameter at mid-point (mm) 45.1 70.0 fleshthickness at mid-point (mm) 4.3 4.9 average number of fruits per plant21.4 8.8 average fruit weight (g) 56.53 97.7 shape (longitudinalsection) square square shape (cross section, level of placenta)quadrangular quadrangular sinuation of pericarp (at basal part) absentor very weak medium sinuation of pericarp (excluding basal part) absentor very weak medium surface texture smooth or very slightly slightlywrinkled wrinkled surface smoothness smooth Smooth mature colororange-yellow red mature color (RHS Color Chart Value) 15A 45Aglossiness strong medium stalk cavity present present depth of stalkcavity shallow medium pedicel length (mm) 3 24.4 pedicel thickness (mm)6.54 7.4 pedicel shape curved curved pedicel cavity present presentdepth of pedicel cavity (mm) 6.9 14 stalk length medium short stalkthickness medium medium base shape cupped cupped apex shape blunt,moderately blunt, moderately depressed depressed shape bell bell setconcentrated concentrated depth of interloculary grooves shallow mediumfruits with three locules (percentage) 60 46.60 fruits with four locules(percentage) 40 46.70 fruits with five or more locules (percentage) 06.70 average number of locules 3.4 3.6 thickness of flesh thin mediumcalyx aspect non-enveloping/ non-enveloping/ saucer-shaped saucer-shapedpungency sweet sweet capsaicin in placenta absent absent flavor strongpepper flavor strong pepper flavor glossiness shiny moderate Seed cavitylength (mm) 54.5 51.1 cavity diameter (mm) 35.3 59.31 placenta length(mm) 21.4 19.87 number of seeds per fruit 150.6 44.2 grams per 1000seeds (g) 4.38 4.46 color yellow yellow Anthocyanin Coloration hypocotylweak moderate stem absent absent nodes weak moderate leaf absent absentpedicel absent absent calyx absent absent anther absent present fruitabsent absentThese are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Valuesthat are substantially equivalent are within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 3 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Pepper HybridSVPS5063 CHARACTERISTIC SVPS5063 Early Cal Wonder Species C. annuum C.annuum Maturity (region of best adaptability) transplanting until maturegreen stage (days) 53 74 transplanting until mature red or yellow 90 83stage (days) direct seeding until mature green stage 101 122 (days)direct seeding until mature red or yellow 138 131 stage (days) beginningof flowering (first flower on early early second flowering node) time ofmaturity medium medium Plant habit semi-spreading semi-spreadingattitude semi-upright/semi-erect semi-upright/semi-erect height (cm)33.88 39.8 width (cm) 46.89 47.2 length of stem from cotyledon to firstflower 11.65 12.7 (cm) length of the third internode (from soil 71.1374.6 surface) (mm) length of stem short short shortened internode (inupper part) present absent number of internodes between the first one tothree N/A flower and the shortened internodes (varieties with shortenedinternodes) length of internode on primary side shoots N/A medium(varieties without shortened internodes) hairiness of stem nodes absentor very weak absent or very weak height short short basal branches nonefew (2-3) branch flexibility willowy willowy stem strength (breakageresistance) strong strong Leaf length of blade medium medium width ofblade medium medium width (mm) 50.13 49.7 length (mm) 111.36 111.8petiole length (mm) 31.27 32.6 color medium green medium green color(RHS Color Chart Value) 146A 137A mature shape ovate ovate leaf and stempubescence absent light undulation of margin weak weak blistering mediumweak profile in cross section moderately concave moderately concaveglossiness medium weak Flower peduncle attitude semi-drooping erectflowers per leaf axil 1 1 calyx lobes 5.8 6.7 petals 5.93 7 diameter(mm) 21.73 22.9 corolla color white white corolla throat markings yellowyellow anther color yellow yellow style length same as stamen less thanstamen self-incompatibility absent absent Fruit group bell bell immaturecolor medium green medium green immature color (RHS Color Chart Value)144A 146A attitude/position drooping/pendent drooping/pendent lengthmedium medium diameter medium broad ratio length/diameter small smallcalyx diameter (mm) 25.27 30.1 length (mm) 63.83 65.4 diameter at calyxattachment (mm) 52.23 65.4 diameter at mid-point (mm) 51.96 70.0 fleshthickness at mid-point (mm) 4.49 4.9 average number per plant 19.87 8.8average weight (g) 56.8 97.7 shape (longitudinal section) square squareshape (cross section, at level of placenta) quadrangular quadrangularsinuation of pericarp at basal part absent or very weak medium sinuationof pericarp excluding basal part absent or very weak medium texture ofsurface smooth or very slightly slightly wrinkled wrinkled surfacesmoothness smooth smooth mature color orange-yellow red mature color(RHS Color Chart Value)  23A  45A glossiness strong medium stalk cavitypresent present depth of stalk cavity shallow medium pedicel length (mm)32.67 24.4 pedicel thickness (mm) 6.53 7.4 pedicel shape curved curvedpedicel cavity present present depth of pedicel cavity (mm) 5.6 14 stalklength medium short stalk thickness medium medium base shape cuppedcupped apex shape blunt blunt shape bell bell set concentratedconcentrated depth of interloculary grooves shallow medium number oflocules predominantly four and equally three and four more fruits withone locule (percentage) 0 0 fruits with two locules (percentage) 0 0fruits with three locules (percentage) 40 46.60 fruits with four locules(percentage) 53.30 46.70 fruits with five or more locules (percentage) 76.70 average number of locules 3.7 3.6 thickness of flesh medium mediumcalyx aspect non-enveloping/ non-enveloping/ saucer-shaped saucer-shapedpungency sweet sweet capsaicin in placenta absent absent flavor strongpepper flavor strong pepper flavor glossiness shiny moderate Seed cavitylength (mm) 49.47 51.1 cavity diameter (mm) 40.57 59.31 placenta length(mm) 26.64 19.87 number of seeds per fruit 120.8 44.2 grams per 1000seeds (g) 4.39 4.46 color yellow yellow Anthocyanin Coloration hypocotylweak moderate stem weak absent nodes weak moderate leaf weak absentpedicel weak absent calyx absent absent anther absent present fruitabsent absentThese are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Valuesthat are substantially equivalent are within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 4 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Pepper LineSMY-E716-0810 CHARACTERISTIC SMY-E716-0810 Early Cal Wonder Species C.annuum C. annuum Maturity (region of best adaptability) transplantinguntil mature green stage (days) 63 75 transplanting until mature red oryellow 80 90 stage (days) direct seeding until mature green stage 112124 (days) direct seeding until mature red or yellow 129 139 stage(days) beginning of flowering (first flower on early early secondflowering node) time of maturity early medium Plant habit compactsemi-spreading attitude upright/erect upright/erect height (cm) 30.9344.50 width (cm) 42.80 51.60 length of stem from cotyledon to firstflower 11.27 13.03 (cm) length of the third internode (from soil 56.6765.00 surface) (mm) length of stem short medium shortened internode(upper part) absent absent length of internode (primary side shoots)very short medium (varieties without shortened internodes) hairiness ofstem nodes absent or very weak absent or very weak height very shortshort basal branches none none branch flexibility willowy willowy stemstrength (breakage resistance) strong strong Leaf blade length mediummedium blade width medium medium width (mm) 57.20 63.10 length (mm)112.29 119.71 petiole length (mm) 51.53 50.80 color medium green mediumgreen color (RHS Color Chart Value) 137A 147B mature shape lanceolateovate leaf and stem pubescence absent light undulation of margin strongweak blistering strong weak profile in cross section moderately concavemoderately concave glossiness medium medium Flower peduncle attitudesemi-drooping semi-drooping flowers per leaf axil 1.14 1.00 calyx lobes6.07 6.53 petals 6.47 6.33 flower diameter (mm) 31.47 30.33 corollacolor white white corolla throat markings yellow yellow anther coloryellow purple style length less than stamen exceeds stamenself-incompatibility absent absent Fruit group bell bell immature colormedium green medium green immature color (RHS Color Chart Value) 144A144A attitude/position drooping/pendant horizontal length medium mediumdiameter medium broad ratio length/diameter small small calyx diameter(mm) 26.59 27.17 length (mm) 59.81 74.99 diameter at calyx attachment(mm) 56.86 69.97 diameter at mid-point (mm) 57.78 74.39 flesh thicknessat mid-point (mm) 4.41 3.87 average number of fruits per plant 14.338.20 average fruit weight (g) 72.93 122.00 shape (longitudinal section)square square shape (cross section, level of placenta) quadrangularangular/triangular sinuation of pericarp (at basal part) absent or veryweak strong sinuation of pericarp (excluding basal part) absent or veryweak weak surface texture smooth or very slightly smooth or veryslightly wrinkled wrinkled surface smoothness smooth smooth mature coloryellow red mature color (RHS Color Chart Value)  16A  46A glossinessshiny shiny stalk cavity present present depth of stalk cavity shallowdeep pedicel length (mm) 31.60 31.87 pedicel thickness (mm) 6.05 6.97pedicel shape curved straight pedicel cavity present present depth ofpedicel cavity (mm) 8.52 8.33 stalk length medium medium stalk thicknessmedium medium base shape cupped cupped apex shape blunt, moderatelyblunt, very depressed depressed shape bell bell set concentratedconcentrated depth of interloculary grooves medium medium fruits withone locule (percentage) 0 0 fruits with two locules (percentage) 0 0fruits with three locules (percentage) 53 27 fruits with four locules(percentage) 47 66 fruits with five or more locules (percentage) 0 7average number of locules 3.47 3.80 thickness of flesh medium thickcalyx aspect non-enveloping non-enveloping pungency sweet sweetcapsaicin in placenta absent absent flavor moderate pepper flavormoderate pepper flavor glossiness strong medium/moderate Seed cavitylength (mm) 44.74 56.09 cavity diameter (mm) 48.72 63.67 placenta length(mm) 18.63 20.01 number of seeds per fruit 92.53 99.00 grams per 1000seeds (g) 4.00 4.46 color yellow yellow Anthocyanin Coloration hypocotylweak strong stem absent absent nodes weak moderate leaf absent absentpedicel absent weak calyx absent absent anther absent present fruitabsent absentThese are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Valuesthat are substantially equivalent are within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 5 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Pepper LineSMY-E716-0828 CHARACTERISTIC SMY-E716-0828 Early Cal Wonder Species C.annuum C. annuum Maturity (region of best adaptability) transplantinguntil mature green stage (days) 63 75 transplanting until mature red oryellow 79 90 stage (days) direct seeding until mature green stage 112124 (days) direct seeding until mature red or yellow 128 139 stage(days) beginning of flowering (first flower on early early secondflowering node) time of maturity early medium Plant habit semi-spreadingsemi-spreading attitude upright/erect upright/erect height (cm) 42.6744.50 width (cm) 43.27 51.60 length of stem from cotyledon to firstflower 7.81 13.03 (cm) length of the third internode (from soil 107.3365.00 surface) (mm) length of stem short medium shortened internode(upper part) absent absent length of internode (primary side shoots)medium medium (varieties without shortened internodes) hairiness of stemnodes absent or very weak absent or very weak height medium short basalbranches few (2-3) none branch flexibility willowy willowy stem strength(breakage resistance) strong strong Leaf blade length medium mediumblade width medium medium width (mm) 54.80 63.10 length (mm) 98.07119.71 petiole length (mm) 43.67 50.80 color medium green medium greencolor (RHS Color Chart Value) 146B 147B mature shape lanceolate ovateleaf and stem pubescence absent light undulation of margin strong weakblistering strong weak profile in cross section moderately concavemoderately concave glossiness medium medium Flower peduncle attitudesemi-drooping semi-drooping flowers per leaf axil 1.07 1.00 calyx lobes6.27 6.53 petals 6.13 6.33 flower diameter (mm) 27.07 30.33 corollacolor white white corolla throat markings yellow yellow anther coloryellow purple style length less than stamen exceeds stamenself-incompatibility absent absent Fruit group bell bell immature colormedium green medium green immature color (RHS Color Chart Value) 144A144A attitude/position horizontal horizontal length medium mediumdiameter medium broad ratio length/diameter medium small calyx diameter(mm) 19.01 27.17 length (mm) 56.75 74.99 diameter at calyx attachment(mm) 46.91 69.97 diameter at mid-point (mm) 46.10 74.39 flesh thicknessat mid-point (mm) 4.27 3.87 average number of fruits per plant 24.678.20 average fruit weight (g) 43.47 122.00 shape (longitudinal section)rectangular square shape (cross section, level of placenta)angular/triangular angular/triangular sinuation of pericarp (at basalpart) weak strong sinuation of pericarp (excluding basal part) weak weaksurface texture smooth or very slightly smooth or very slightly wrinkledwrinkled surface smoothness smooth smooth mature color orange red maturecolor (RHS Color Chart Value)  24A  46A glossiness moderate shiny stalkcavity present present depth of stalk cavity shallow deep pedicel length(mm) 28.53 31.87 pedicel thickness (mm) 5.01 6.97 pedicel shape curvedstraight pedicel cavity present present depth of pedicel cavity (mm)3.90 8.33 stalk length medium medium stalk thickness medium medium baseshape cupped cupped apex shape blunt, moderately blunt, very depresseddepressed shape bell bell depth of interloculary grooves medium mediumfruits with one locule (percentage) 0 0 fruits with two locules(percentage) 0 0 fruits with three locules (percentage) 60 27 fruitswith four locules (percentage) 40 66 fruits with five or more locules(percentage) 0 7 average number of locules 3.40 3.80 thickness of fleshmedium thick calyx aspect non-enveloping non-enveloping pungency sweetsweet capsaicin in placenta absent absent flavor moderate pepper flavormoderate pepper flavor glossiness medium/moderate medium/moderate Seedcavity length (mm) 45.97 56.09 cavity diameter (mm) 33.99 63.67 placentalength (mm) 15.21 20.01 number of seeds per fruit 25.13 99.00 grams per1000 seeds (g) 6.00 4.46 color yellow yellow Anthocyanin Colorationhypocotyl weak strong stem absent absent nodes weak moderate leaf absentabsent pedicel absent weak calyx weak absent anther absent present fruitabsent absentThese are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Valuesthat are substantially equivalent are within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 6 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Pepper LineSMY-E716-0811 CHARACTERISTIC SMY-E716-0811 Early Cal Wonder Species C.annuum C. annuum Maturity (region of best adaptability) transplantinguntil mature green stage (days) 71 75 transplanting until mature red oryellow 86 90 stage (days) direct seeding until mature green stage 120124 (days) direct seeding until mature red or yellow 135 139 stage(days) beginning of flowering (first flower on early early secondflowering node) time of maturity medium medium Plant habit compactsemi-spreading attitude upright/erect upright/erect height (cm) 38.3344.50 width (cm) 40.87 51.60 length of stem from cotyledon to firstflower 11.33 13.03 (cm) length of the third internode (from soil 64.0065.00 surface) (mm) length of stem short medium shortened internode(upper part) absent absent length of internode (primary side shoots)short medium (varieties without shortened internodes) hairiness of stemnodes absent or very weak absent or very weak height very short shortbasal branches none none branch flexibility willowy willowy stemstrength (breakage resistance) strong strong Leaf blade length mediummedium blade width medium medium width (mm) 63.00 63.10 length (mm)114.64 119.71 petiole length (mm) 56.67 50.80 color medium green mediumgreen color (RHS Color Chart Value) 146A 147B mature shape ovate ovateleaf and stem pubescence absent light undulation of margin strong weakblistering strong weak profile in cross section moderately concavemoderately concave glossiness medium medium Flower peduncle attitudesemi-drooping semi-drooping flowers per leaf axil 1.00 1.00 calyx lobes6.13 6.53 petals 6.27 6.33 flower diameter (mm) 31.47 30.33 corollacolor white white corolla throat markings yellow yellow anther coloryellow purple style length less than stamen exceeds stamenself-incompatibility absent absent Fruit group bell bell immature colormedium green medium green immature color (RHS Color Chart Value) 144A144A attitude/position drooping/pendant horizontal length short mediumdiameter broad broad ratio length/diameter small small calyx diameter(mm) 27.76 27.17 length (mm) 70.25 74.99 diameter at calyx attachment(mm) 64.51 69.97 diameter at mid-point (mm) 63.99 74.39 flesh thicknessat mid-point (mm) 6.26 3.87 average number of fruits per plant 5.80 8.20average fruit weight (g) 103.27 122.00 shape (longitudinal section)square square shape (cross section, level of placenta) quadrangularangular/triangular sinuation of pericarp (at basal part) weak strongsinuation of pericarp (excluding basal part) weak weak surface texturesmooth or very slightly smooth or very slightly wrinkled wrinkledsurface smoothness smooth smooth mature color orange-yellow red maturecolor (RHS Color Chart Value)  13A  46A glossiness shiny shiny stalkcavity present present depth of stalk cavity medium deep pedicel length(mm) 29.93 31.87 pedicel thickness (mm) 6.55 6.97 pedicel shape curvedstraight pedicel cavity present present depth of pedicel cavity (mm)11.00 8.33 stalk length very short medium stalk thickness medium mediumbase shape cupped cupped apex shape blunt, moderately blunt, verydepressed depressed shape bell bell set scattered concentrated depth ofinterloculary grooves medium medium fruits with one locule (percentage)0 0 fruits with two locules (percentage) 0 0 fruits with three locules(percentage) 60 27 fruits with four locules (percentage) 40 66 fruitswith five or more locules (percentage) 0 7 average number of locules3.67 3.80 thickness of flesh thick thick calyx aspect non-envelopingnon-enveloping pungency sweet sweet capsaicin in placenta absent absentflavor mild pepper flavor moderate pepper flavor glossinessmedium/moderate medium/moderate Seed cavity length (mm) 52.37 56.09cavity diameter (mm) 54.89 63.67 placenta length (mm) 29.32 20.01 numberof seeds per fruit 77.20 99.00 grams per 1000 seeds (g) 4.4 4.46 coloryellow yellow Anthocyanin Coloration hypocotyl absent strong stem weakabsent nodes weak moderate leaf absent absent pedicel weak weak calyxweak absent anther absent present fruit absent absentThese are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Valuesthat are substantially equivalent are within the scope of the invention.

TABLE 7 Physiological and Morphological Characteristics of Pepper LineSMY-E716-0827 CHARACTERISTIC SMY-E716-0827 Early Cal Wonder Species C.annuum C. annuum Maturity (region of best adaptability) transplantinguntil mature green stage (days) 75 75 transplanting until mature red oryellow 90 90 stage (days) direct seeding until mature green stage 124124 (days) direct seeding until mature red or yellow 139 139 stage(days) beginning of flowering (first flower on early early secondflowering node) time of maturity medium medium Plant habitsemi-spreading semi-spreading attitude upright/erect upright/erectheight (cm) 48.20 44.50 width (cm) 55.00 51.60 length of stem fromcotyledon to first flower 14.47 13.03 (cm) length of the third internode(from soil 69.33 65.00 surface) (mm) length of stem short mediumshortened internode (upper part) present absent number of internodesbetween first flower one to three N/A and shortened internodes(varieties with shortened internodes) length of internode (primary sideshoots) N/A medium (varieties without shortened internodes) hairiness ofstem nodes weak absent or very weak height short short basal branchesmany (4+) none branch flexibility willowy willowy stem strength(breakage resistance) strong strong Leaf blade length medium mediumblade width medium medium width (mm) 57.53 63.10 length (mm) 115.43119.71 petiole length (mm) 34.20 50.80 color medium green medium greencolor (RHS Color Chart Value) 144A 147B mature shape lanceolate ovateleaf and stem pubescence light light undulation of margin strong weakblistering medium weak profile in cross section moderately concavemoderately concave glossiness medium medium Flower peduncle attitudesemi-drooping semi-drooping flowers per leaf axil 1.07 1.00 calyx lobes5.93 6.53 petals 5.93 6.33 flower diameter (mm) 23.53 30.33 corollacolor white white corolla throat markings yellow yellow anther coloryellow purple style length less than stamen exceeds stamenself-incompatibility absent absent Fruit group bell bell immature colormedium green medium green immature color (RHS Color Chart Value) 144A144A attitude/position drooping/pendant horizontal length short mediumdiameter broad broad ratio length/diameter small small calyx diameter(mm) 17.81 27.17 length (mm) 62.93 74.99 diameter at calyx attachment(mm) 43.26 69.97 diameter at mid-point (mm) 37.26 74.39 flesh thicknessat mid-point (mm) 3.97 3.87 average number of fruits per plant 25.278.20 average fruit weight (g) 40.40 122.00 shape (longitudinal section)square square shape (cross section, level of placenta) quadrangularangular/triangular sinuation of pericarp (at basal part) weak strongsinuation of pericarp (excluding basal part) weak weak surface texturesmooth or very slightly smooth or very slightly wrinkled wrinkledsurface smoothness smooth smooth mature color orange-yellow red maturecolor (RHS Color Chart Value) N34A 46A glossiness moderate shiny stalkcavity present present depth of stalk cavity medium deep pedicel length(mm) 30.07 31.87 pedicel thickness (mm) 4.39 6.97 pedicel shape curvedstraight pedicel cavity present present depth of pedicel cavity (mm)4.19 8.33 stalk length medium medium stalk thickness medium medium baseshape cupped cupped apex shape blunt, moderately blunt, very depresseddepressed shape bell bell set concentrated concentrated depth ofinterloculary grooves medium medium fruits with one locule (percentage)0 0 fruits with two locules (percentage) 0 0 fruits with three locules(percentage) 33 27 fruits with four locules (percentage) 67 66 fruitswith five or more locules (percentage) 0 7 average number of locules3.40 3.80 thickness of flesh medium thick calyx aspect non-envelopingnon-enveloping pungency sweet sweet capsaicin in placenta absent absentflavor moderate pepper flavor moderate pepper flavor glossinessmedium/moderate medium/moderate Seed cavity length (mm) 49.99 56.09cavity diameter (mm) 31.04 63.67 placenta length (mm) 14.05 20.01 numberof seeds per fruit 26.40 99.00 grams per 1000 seeds (g) 6.5 4.46 coloryellow yellow Anthocyanin Coloration hypocotyl absent strong stem weakabsent nodes weak moderate leaf absent absent pedicel absent weak calyxabsent absent anther absent present fruit absent absentThese are typical values. Values may vary due to environment. Valuesthat are substantially equivalent are within the scope of the invention.

C. Breeding Pepper Plants

One aspect of the current invention concerns methods for producing seedof pepper hybrid SVPS5056 involving crossing pepper lines SMY-E716-0810and SMY-E716-0827, methods for producing seed of pepper hybrid SVPS5059involving crossing pepper lines SMY-E716-0811 and SMY-E716-0827, ormethods for producing seed of pepper hybrid SVPS5063 involving crossingpepper lines SMY-E716-0810 and SMY-E716-0828.

Alternatively, in other embodiments of the invention, pepper hybridSVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper line SMY-E716-0810,SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827 may be crossed withitself or with any second plant. Such methods can be used forpropagation of pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepperline SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827 orcan be used to produce plants that are derived from pepper hybridSVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper line SMY-E716-0810,SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827. Plants derived frompepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper lineSMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827 may beused, in certain embodiments, for the development of new peppervarieties.

The development of new varieties using one or more starting varieties iswell-known in the art. In accordance with the invention, novel varietiesmay be created by crossing pepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063or pepper line SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, orSMY-E716-0827 followed by multiple generations of breeding according tosuch well-known methods. New varieties may be created by crossing withany second plant. In selecting such a second plant to cross for thepurpose of developing novel lines, it may be desired to choose thoseplants which either themselves exhibit one or more selected desirablecharacteristics or which exhibit the desired characteristic(s) when inhybrid combination. Once initial crosses have been made, inbreeding andselection take place to produce new varieties. For development of auniform line, often five or more generations of selfing and selectionare involved.

Uniform lines of new varieties may also be developed by way ofdouble-haploids. This technique allows the creation of true breedinglines without the need for multiple generations of selfing andselection. In this manner true breeding lines can be produced in aslittle as one generation. Haploid embryos may be produced frommicrospores, pollen, anther cultures, or ovary cultures. The haploidembryos may then be doubled autonomously, or by chemical treatments(e.g., colchicine treatment). Alternatively, haploid embryos may begrown into haploid plants and treated to induce chromosome doubling. Ineither case, fertile homozygous plants are obtained. In accordance withthe invention, any of such techniques may be used in connection with aplant of the invention and progeny thereof to achieve a homozygous line.

Backcrossing can also be used to improve an inbred plant. Backcrossingtransfers a specific desirable trait from one inbred or non-inbredsource to an inbred that lacks that trait. This can be accomplished, forexample, by first crossing a superior inbred (A) (recurrent parent) to adonor inbred (non-recurrent parent), which carries the appropriate locusor loci for the trait in question. The progeny of this cross are thenmated back to the superior recurrent parent (A) followed by selection inthe resultant progeny for the desired trait to be transferred from thenon-recurrent parent. After five or more backcross generations withselection for the desired trait, the progeny have the characteristicbeing transferred, but are like the superior parent for most or almostall other loci. The last backcross generation would be selfed to givepure breeding progeny for the trait being transferred.

The plants of the present invention are particularly well suited for thedevelopment of new lines based on the elite nature of the geneticbackground of the plants. In selecting a second plant to cross withpepper hybrid SVPS5056, SVPS5059, or SVPS5063 or pepper lineSMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, or SMY-E716-0827 for thepurpose of developing novel pepper lines, it will typically be preferredto choose those plants which either themselves exhibit one or moreselected desirable characteristics or which exhibit the desiredcharacteristic(s) when in hybrid combination. Examples of desirabletraits may include, in specific embodiments, high seed yield, high seedgermination, seedling vigor, high fruit yield, disease tolerance orresistance, and adaptability for soil and climate conditions.Consumer-driven traits, such as a fruit shape, color, texture, and tasteare other examples of traits that may be incorporated into new lines ofpepper plants developed by this invention.

D. Further Embodiments of the Invention

In certain aspects of the invention, plants described herein areprovided modified to include at least a first desired heritable trait.Such plants may, in one embodiment, be developed by a plant breedingtechnique called backcrossing, wherein essentially all of themorphological and physiological characteristics of a variety arerecovered in addition to a genetic locus transferred into the plant viathe backcrossing technique. The term single locus converted plant asused herein refers to those pepper plants which are developed by a plantbreeding technique called backcrossing or by genetic engineering,wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of a variety are recovered or conserved in addition tothe single locus introduced into the variety via the backcrossing orgenetic engineering technique, respectively. By essentially all of themorphological and physiological characteristics, it is meant that thecharacteristics of a plant are recovered or conserved that are otherwisepresent when compared in the same environment, other than an occasionalvariant trait that might arise during backcrossing, introduction of atransgene, or application of a genetic engineering technique.

Backcrossing methods can be used with the present invention to improveor introduce a characteristic into the present variety. The parentalpepper plant which contributes the locus for the desired characteristicis termed the nonrecurrent or donor parent. This terminology refers tothe fact that the nonrecurrent parent is used one time in the backcrossprotocol and therefore does not recur. The parental pepper plant towhich the locus or loci from the nonrecurrent parent are transferred isknown as the recurrent parent as it is used for several rounds in thebackcrossing protocol.

In a typical backcross protocol, the original variety of interest(recurrent parent) is crossed to a second variety (nonrecurrent parent)that carries the single locus of interest to be transferred. Theresulting progeny from this cross are then crossed again to therecurrent parent and the process is repeated until a pepper plant isobtained wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of the recurrent parent are recovered in the convertedplant, in addition to the single transferred locus from the nonrecurrentparent.

The selection of a suitable recurrent parent is an important step for asuccessful backcrossing procedure. The goal of a backcross protocol isto alter or substitute a single trait or characteristic in the originalvariety. To accomplish this, a single locus of the recurrent variety ismodified or substituted with the desired locus from the nonrecurrentparent, while retaining essentially all of the rest of the desiredgenetic, and therefore the desired physiological and morphologicalconstitution of the original variety. The choice of the particularnonrecurrent parent will depend on the purpose of the backcross; one ofthe major purposes is to add some commercially desirable trait to theplant. The exact backcrossing protocol will depend on the characteristicor trait being altered and the genetic distance between the recurrentand nonrecurrent parents. Although backcrossing methods are simplifiedwhen the characteristic being transferred is a dominant allele, arecessive allele, or an additive allele (between recessive anddominant), may also be transferred. In this instance it may be necessaryto introduce a test of the progeny to determine if the desiredcharacteristic has been successfully transferred.

In one embodiment, progeny pepper plants of a backcross in which a plantdescribed herein is the recurrent parent comprise (i) the desired traitfrom the non-recurrent parent and (ii) all of the physiological andmorphological characteristics of pepper the recurrent parent asdetermined at the 5% significance level when grown in the sameenvironmental conditions.

New varieties can also be developed from more than two parents. Thetechnique, known as modified backcrossing, uses different recurrentparents during the backcrossing. Modified backcrossing may be used toreplace the original recurrent parent with a variety having certain moredesirable characteristics or multiple parents may be used to obtaindifferent desirable characteristics from each.

With the development of molecular markers associated with particulartraits, it is possible to add additional traits into an established germline, such as represented here, with the end result being substantiallythe same base germplasm with the addition of a new trait or traits.Molecular breeding, as described in Moose and Mumm, 2008 (PlantPhysiol., 147: 969-977), for example, and elsewhere, provides amechanism for integrating single or multiple traits or QTL into an eliteline. This molecular breeding-facilitated movement of a trait or traitsinto an elite line may encompass incorporation of a particular genomicfragment associated with a particular trait of interest into the eliteline by the mechanism of identification of the integrated genomicfragment with the use of flanking or associated marker assays. In theembodiment represented here, one, two, three or four genomic loci, forexample, may be integrated into an elite line via this methodology. Whenthis elite line containing the additional loci is further crossed withanother parental elite line to produce hybrid offspring, it is possibleto then incorporate at least eight separate additional loci into thehybrid. These additional loci may confer, for example, such traits as adisease resistance or a fruit quality trait. In one embodiment, eachlocus may confer a separate trait. In another embodiment, loci may needto be homozygous and exist in each parent line to confer a trait in thehybrid. In yet another embodiment, multiple loci may be combined toconfer a single robust phenotype of a desired trait.

Many single locus traits have been identified that are not regularlyselected for in the development of a new inbred but that can be improvedby backcrossing techniques. Single locus traits may or may not betransgenic; examples of these traits include, but are not limited to,herbicide resistance, resistance to bacterial, fungal, or viral disease,insect resistance, modified fatty acid or carbohydrate metabolism, andaltered nutritional quality. These comprise genes generally inheritedthrough the nucleus.

Direct selection may be applied where the single locus acts as adominant trait. For this selection process, the progeny of the initialcross are assayed for viral resistance or the presence of thecorresponding gene prior to the backcrossing. Selection eliminates anyplants that do not have the desired gene and resistance trait, and onlythose plants that have the trait are used in the subsequent backcross.This process is then repeated for all additional backcross generations.

Selection of pepper plants for breeding is not necessarily dependent onthe phenotype of a plant and instead can be based on geneticinvestigations. For example, one can utilize a suitable genetic markerwhich is closely genetically linked to a trait of interest. One of thesemarkers can be used to identify the presence or absence of a trait inthe offspring of a particular cross, and can be used in selection ofprogeny for continued breeding. This technique is commonly referred toas marker assisted selection. Any other type of genetic marker or otherassay which is able to identify the relative presence or absence of atrait of interest in a plant can also be useful for breeding purposes.Procedures for marker assisted selection are well known in the art. Suchmethods will be of particular utility in the case of recessive traitsand variable phenotypes, or where conventional assays may be moreexpensive, time consuming, or otherwise disadvantageous. In addition,marker assisted selection may be used to identify plants comprisingdesirable genotypes at the seed, seedling, or plant stage, to identifyor assess the purity of a cultivar, to catalog the genetic diversity ofa germplasm collection, and to monitor specific alleles or haplotypeswithin an established cultivar.

Types of genetic markers which could be used in accordance with theinvention include, but are not necessarily limited to, Simple SequenceLength Polymorphisms (SSLPs) (Williams et al., Nucleic Acids Res., 18:6531-6535, 1990), Randomly Amplified Polymorphic DNAs (RAPDs), DNAAmplification Fingerprinting (DAF), Sequence Characterized AmplifiedRegions (SCARs), Arbitrary Primed Polymerase Chain Reaction (AP-PCR),Amplified Fragment Length Polymorphisms (AFLPs) (EP 534 858,specifically incorporated herein by reference in its entirety), andSingle Nucleotide Polymorphisms (SNPs) (Wang et al., Science,280:1077-1082, 1998).

In particular embodiments of the invention, marker assisted selection isused to increase the efficiency of a backcrossing breeding scheme forproducing a pepper line comprising a desired trait. This technique iscommonly referred to as marker assisted backcrossing (MABC). Thistechnique is well-known in the art and may involve, for example, the useof three or more levels of selection, including foreground selection toidentity the presence of a desired locus, which may complement orreplace phenotype screening protocols; recombinant selection to minimizelinkage drag; and background selection to maximize recurrent parentgenome recovery.

E. Plants Derived by Genetic Engineering

Various genetic engineering technologies have been developed and may beused by those of skill in the art to introduce traits in plants. Incertain aspects of the claimed invention, traits are introduced intopepper plants via altering or introducing a single genetic locus ortransgene into the genome of a recited variety or progenitor thereof.Methods of genetic engineering to modify, delete, or insert genes andpolynucleotides into the genomic DNA of plants are well-known in theart.

In specific embodiments of the invention, improved pepper lines can becreated through the site-specific modification of a plant genome.Methods of genetic engineering include, for example, utilizingsequence-specific nucleases such as zinc-finger nucleases (see, forexample, U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2011-0203012); engineered or nativemeganucleases; TALE-endonucleases (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos.8,586,363 and 9,181,535); and RNA-guided endonucleases, such as those ofthe CRISPR/Cas systems (see, for example, U.S. Pat. Nos. 8,697,359 and8,771,945 and U.S. Pat. Appl. Pub. No. 2014-0068797). One embodiment ofthe invention thus relates to utilizing a nuclease or any associatedprotein to carry out genome modification. This nuclease could beprovided heterologously within donor template DNA for templated-genomicediting or in a separate molecule or vector. A recombinant DNA constructmay also comprise a sequence encoding one or more guide RNAs to directthe nuclease to the site within the plant genome to be modified. Furthermethods for altering or introducing a single genetic locus include, forexample, utilizing single-stranded oligonucleotides to introduce basepair modifications in a pepper plant genome (see, for example Sauer etal., Plant Physiol, 170(4):1917-1928, 2016).

Methods for site-directed alteration or introduction of a single geneticlocus are well-known in the art and include those that utilizesequence-specific nucleases, such as the aforementioned, or complexes ofproteins and guide-RNA that cut genomic DNA to produce a double-strandbreak (DSB) or nick at a genetic locus. As is well-understood in theart, during the process of repairing the DSB or nick introduced by thenuclease enzyme, a donor template, transgene, or expression cassettepolynucleotide may become integrated into the genome at the site of theDSB or nick. The presence of homology arms in the DNA to be integratedmay promote the adoption and targeting of the insertion sequence intothe plant genome during the repair process through homologousrecombination or non-homologous end joining (NHEJ).

In another embodiment of the invention, genetic transformation may beused to insert a selected transgene into a plant of the invention ormay, alternatively, be used for the preparation of transgenes which canbe introduced by backcrossing. Methods for the transformation of plantsthat are well-known to those of skill in the art and applicable to manycrop species include, but are not limited to, electroporation,microprojectile bombardment, Agrobacterium-mediated transformation, anddirect DNA uptake by protoplasts.

To effect transformation by electroporation, one may employ eitherfriable tissues, such as a suspension culture of cells or embryogeniccallus or alternatively one may transform immature embryos or otherorganized tissue directly. In this technique, one would partiallydegrade the cell walls of the chosen cells by exposing them topectin-degrading enzymes (pectolyases) or mechanically wound tissues ina controlled manner.

An efficient method for delivering transforming DNA segments to plantcells is microprojectile bombardment. In this method, particles arecoated with nucleic acids and delivered into cells by a propellingforce. Exemplary particles include those comprised of tungsten,platinum, and preferably, gold. For the bombardment, cells in suspensionare concentrated on filters or solid culture medium. Alternatively,immature embryos or other target cells may be arranged on solid culturemedium. The cells to be bombarded are positioned at an appropriatedistance below the macroprojectile stopping plate.

An illustrative embodiment of a method for delivering DNA into plantcells by acceleration is the Biolistics Particle Delivery System, whichcan be used to propel particles coated with DNA or cells through ascreen, such as a stainless steel or Nytex screen, onto a surfacecovered with target cells. The screen disperses the particles so thatthey are not delivered to the recipient cells in large aggregates.Microprojectile bombardment techniques are widely applicable, and may beused to transform virtually any plant species.

Agrobacterium-mediated transfer is another widely applicable system forintroducing gene loci into plant cells. An advantage of the technique isthat DNA can be introduced into whole plant tissues, thereby bypassingthe need for regeneration of an intact plant from a protoplast. ModernAgrobacterium transformation vectors are capable of replication in E.coli as well as Agrobacterium, allowing for convenient manipulations(Klee et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 3(7):637-642, 1985). Moreover, recenttechnological advances in vectors for Agrobacterium-mediated genetransfer have improved the arrangement of genes and restriction sites inthe vectors to facilitate the construction of vectors capable ofexpressing various polypeptide coding genes. The vectors described haveconvenient multi-linker regions flanked by a promoter and apolyadenylation site for direct expression of inserted polypeptidecoding genes. Additionally, Agrobacterium containing both armed anddisarmed T₁ genes can be used for transformation.

In those plant strains where Agrobacterium-mediated transformation isefficient, it is the method of choice because of the facile and definednature of the gene locus transfer. The use of Agrobacterium-mediatedplant integrating vectors to introduce DNA into plant cells is wellknown in the art (Fraley et al., Nat. Biotechnol., 3:629-635, 1985; U.S.Pat. No. 5,563,055).

Transformation of plant protoplasts also can be achieved using methodsbased on calcium phosphate precipitation, polyethylene glycol treatment,electroporation, and combinations of these treatments (see, for example,Potrykus et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 199:183-188, 1985; Omirulleh et al.,Plant Mol. Biol., 21(3):415-428, 1993; Fromm et al., Nature,312:791-793, 1986; Uchimiya et al., Mol. Gen. Genet., 204:204, 1986;Marcotte et al., Nature, 335:454, 1988). Transformation of plants andexpression of foreign genetic elements is exemplified in Choi et al.(Plant Cell Rep., 13:344-348, 1994), and Ellul et al. (Theor. Appl.Genet., 107:462-469, 2003).

A number of promoters have utility for plant gene expression for anygene of interest including but not limited to selectable markers,scoreable markers, genes for pest tolerance, disease resistance,nutritional enhancements and any other gene of agronomic interest.Examples of constitutive promoters useful for plant gene expressioninclude, but are not limited to, the cauliflower mosaic virus (CaMV)P-35S promoter, which confers constitutive, high-level expression inmost plant tissues (see, for example, Odel et al., Nature, 313:810,1985), including in monocots (see, for example, Dekeyser et al., PlantCell, 2:591, 1990; Terada and Shimamoto, Mol. Gen. Genet., 220:389,1990); a tandemly duplicated version of the CaMV 35S promoter, theenhanced 35S promoter (P-e35S); the nopaline synthase promoter (An etal., Plant Physiol., 88:547, 1988); the octopine synthase promoter(Fromm et al., Plant Cell, 1:977, 1989); the figwort mosaic virus(P-FMV) promoter as described in U.S. Pat. No. 5,378,619; an enhancedversion of the FMV promoter (P-eFMV) where the promoter sequence ofP-FMV is duplicated in tandem; the cauliflower mosaic virus 19Spromoter; a sugarcane bacilliform virus promoter; a commelina yellowmottle virus promoter; and other plant virus promoters known to expressin plant cells.

A variety of plant gene promoters that are regulated in response toenvironmental, hormonal, chemical, or developmental signals can also beused for expression of an operably linked gene in plant cells, includingpromoters regulated by (1) heat (Callis et al., Plant Physiol., 88:965,1988), (2) light (e.g., pea rbcS-3A promoter, Kuhlemeier et al., PlantCell, 1:471, 1989; maize rbcS promoter, Schaffner and Sheen, Plant Cell,3:997, 1991; or chlorophyll a/b-binding protein promoter, Simpson etal., EMBO J., 4:2723, 1985), (3) hormones, such as abscisic acid(Marcotte et al., Plant Cell, 1:969, 1989), (4) wounding (e.g., wunl,Siebertz et al., Plant Cell, 1:961, 1989); or (5) chemicals, such asmethyl jasmonate, salicylic acid, or Safener. It may also beadvantageous to employ organ-specific promoters (e.g., Roshal et al.,EMBO J., 6:1155, 1987; Schernthaner et al., EMBO J., 7:1249, 1988;Bustos et al., Plant Cell, 1:839, 1989).

Exemplary nucleic acids which may be introduced to plants of thisinvention include, for example, DNA sequences or genes from anotherspecies, or even genes or sequences which originate with or are presentin the same species, but are incorporated into recipient cells bygenetic engineering methods rather than classical reproduction orbreeding techniques. However, the term “exogenous” is also intended torefer to genes that are not normally present in the cell beingtransformed, or perhaps simply not present in the form, structure, etc.,as found in the transforming DNA segment or gene, or genes which arenormally present and that one desires to express in a manner thatdiffers from the natural expression pattern, e.g., to over-express.Thus, the term “exogenous” gene or DNA is intended to refer to any geneor DNA segment that is introduced into a recipient cell, regardless ofwhether a similar gene may already be present in such a cell. The typeof DNA included in the exogenous DNA can include DNA which is alreadypresent in the plant cell, DNA from another plant, DNA from a differentorganism, or a DNA generated externally, such as a DNA sequencecontaining an antisense message of a gene, or a DNA sequence encoding asynthetic or modified version of a gene.

Many hundreds if not thousands of different genes are known and couldpotentially be introduced into a pepper plant according to theinvention. Non-limiting examples of particular genes and correspondingphenotypes one may choose to introduce into a pepper plant include oneor more genes for insect tolerance, such as a Bacillus thuringiensis(B.t.) gene, pest tolerance such as genes for fungal disease control,herbicide tolerance such as genes conferring glyphosate tolerance, andgenes for quality improvements such as yield, nutritional enhancements,environmental or stress tolerances, or any desirable changes in plantphysiology, growth, development, morphology or plant product(s). Forexample, structural genes would include any gene that confers insecttolerance including but not limited to a Bacillus insect control proteingene as described in WO 99/31248, herein incorporated by reference inits entirety, U.S. Pat. No. 5,689,052, herein incorporated by referencein its entirety, U.S. Pat. Nos. 5,500,365 and 5,880,275, hereinincorporated by reference in their entirety. In another embodiment, thestructural gene can confer tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate asconferred by genes including, but not limited to Agrobacterium strainCP4 glyphosate resistant EPSPS gene (aroA:CP4) as described in U.S. Pat.No. 5,633,435, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety, orglyphosate oxidoreductase gene (GOX) as described in U.S. Pat. No.5,463,175, herein incorporated by reference in its entirety.

Alternatively, the DNA coding sequences can affect these phenotypes byencoding a non-translatable RNA molecule that causes the targetedinhibition of expression of an endogenous gene, for example viaantisense- or cosuppression-mediated mechanisms (see, for example, Birdet al., Biotech. Gen. Engin. Rev., 9:207, 1991). The RNA could also be acatalytic RNA molecule (i.e., a ribozyme) engineered to cleave a desiredendogenous mRNA product (see, for example, Gibson and Shillito, Mol.Biotech., 7:125, 1997). Thus, any gene which produces a protein or mRNAwhich expresses a phenotype or morphology change of interest is usefulfor the practice of the present invention.

F. Definitions

In the description and tables herein, a number of terms are used. Inorder to provide a clear and consistent understanding of thespecification and claims, the following definitions are provided:

Allele: Any of one or more alternative forms of a genetic locus, all ofwhich alleles relate to one trait or characteristic. In a diploid cellor organism, the two alleles of a given gene occupy corresponding locion a pair of homologous chromosomes.

Backcrossing: A process in which a breeder repeatedly crosses hybridprogeny, for example a first generation hybrid (F₁), back to one of theparents of the hybrid progeny. Backcrossing can be used to introduce oneor more single locus conversions or transgenes from one geneticbackground into another.

Crossing: The mating of two parent plants.

Cross-Pollination: Fertilization by the union of two gametes fromdifferent plants.

Diploid: A cell or organism having two sets of chromosomes.

Emasculate: The removal of plant male sex organs or the inactivation ofthe organs with a cytoplasmic or nuclear genetic factor or a chemicalagent conferring male sterility.

Enzymes: Molecules which can act as catalysts in biological reactions.

F₁ Hybrid: The first generation progeny of the cross of two nonisogenicplants.

Genotype: The genetic constitution of a cell or organism.

Haploid: A cell or organism having one set of the two sets ofchromosomes in a diploid.

Linkage: A phenomenon wherein alleles on the same chromosome tend tosegregate together more often than expected by chance if theirtransmission was independent.

Marker: A readily detectable phenotype, preferably inherited incodominant fashion (both alleles at a locus in a diploid heterozygoteare readily detectable), with no environmental variance component, i.e.,heritability of 1.

Phenotype: The detectable characteristics of a cell or organism, whichcharacteristics are the manifestation of gene expression.

Quantitative Trait Loci (QTL): Quantitative trait loci (QTL) refer togenetic loci that control to some degree numerically representabletraits that are usually continuously distributed.

Resistance: As used herein, the terms “resistance” and “tolerance” areused interchangeably to describe plants that show no symptoms to aspecified biotic pest, pathogen, abiotic influence, or environmentalcondition. These terms are also used to describe plants showing somesymptoms but that are still able to produce marketable product with anacceptable yield. Some plants that are referred to as resistant ortolerant are only so in the sense that they may still produce a crop,even though the plants are stunted and the yield is reduced.

Regeneration: The development of a plant from tissue culture.

Royal Horticultural Society (RHS) Color Chart Value: The RHS Color Chartis a standardized reference which allows accurate identification of anycolor. A color's designation on the chart describes its hue, brightness,and saturation. A color is precisely named by the RHS Color Chart byidentifying the group name, sheet number, and letter, e.g.,Yellow-Orange Group 19A or Red Group 41B.

Self-Pollination: The transfer of pollen from the anther to the stigmaof the same plant.

Single Locus Converted (Conversion) Plant: Plants which are developed bya plant breeding technique called backcrossing or genetic engineering ofa locus, wherein essentially all of the morphological and physiologicalcharacteristics of a pepper variety are recovered in addition to thecharacteristics of the single locus.

Substantially Equivalent: A characteristic that, when compared, does notshow a statistically significant difference (e.g., p=0.05) from themean.

Tissue Culture: A composition comprising isolated cells of the same or adifferent type or a collection of such cells organized into parts of aplant.

Transgene: A genetic locus comprising a sequence which has beenintroduced into the genome of a pepper plant by transformation orsite-specific modification.

G. Deposit Information

A deposit of seeds of pepper hybrid SVPS5063 and pepper linesSMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, and SMY-E716-0827,disclosed above and recited in the claims, has been made with theAmerican Type Culture Collection (ATCC), 10801 University Blvd.,Manassas, Va. 20110-2209. The dates of deposit for those deposited seedsof pepper hybrid SVPS5063 and pepper lines SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828,SMY-E716-0811, and SMY-E716-0827 are Dec. 4, 2017; Dec. 4, 2017; Dec. 4,2017; Mar. 19, 2018; and Mar. 19, 2018, respectively. The accessionnumbers for those deposited seeds of pepper hybrid SVPS5063 and pepperlines SMY-E716-0810, SMY-E716-0828, SMY-E716-0811, and SMY-E716-0827 areATCC Accession Number PTA-124650, ATCC Accession Number PTA-124651, ATCCAccession Number PTA-124652, ATCC Accession Number PTA-125023, and ATCCAccession Number PTA-125024, respectively. Upon issuance of a patent,all restrictions upon the deposits will be removed, and the deposits areintended to meet all of the requirements of 37 C.F.R. §§ 1.801-1.809.The deposits will be maintained in the depository for a period of 30years, 5 years after the last request, or the effective life of thepatent, whichever is longer, and will be replaced if necessary duringthat period.

Although the foregoing invention has been described in some detail byway of illustration and example for purposes of clarity andunderstanding, it will be obvious that certain changes and modificationsmay be practiced within the scope of the invention, as limited only bythe scope of the appended claims.

All references cited herein are hereby expressly incorporated herein byreference.

1. A pepper plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper line SMY-E716-0811 or pepper line SMY-E716-0827, a sample of seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-125023 and ATCC Accession Number PTA-125024, respectively.
 2. A pepper seed that produces the plant of claim
 1. 3. The plant of claim 1, wherein the plant is a plant of said pepper line SMY-E716-0811 or pepper line SMY-E716-0827.
 4. The plant of claim 1, wherein the plant is a plant of pepper hybrid SVPS5059.
 5. The seed of claim 2, wherein the seed is a seed of said pepper line SMY-E716-0811 or pepper line SMY-E716-0827.
 6. The seed of claim 2, wherein the seed is a seed of pepper hybrid SVPS5059.
 7. A plant part of the plant of claim 1, wherein the plant part comprises a cell of said plant.
 8. A pepper plant having all the physiological and morphological characteristics of the plant of claim
 1. 9. A tissue culture of regenerable cells of the plant of claim 1, wherein at least one cell of said tissue culture comprises at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper line SMY-E716-0811 or pepper line SMY-E716-0827.
 10. A method of vegetatively propagating the plant of claim 1, the method comprising the steps of: (a) collecting a tissue capable of being propagated from the plant of claim 1; and (b) propagating a pepper plant from said tissue.
 11. A method of introducing a trait into a pepper line, the method comprising: (a) utilizing as a recurrent parent the plant of claim 1 by crossing said plant with a donor plant that comprises a trait to produce at least one progeny plant; (b) selecting a progeny plant that comprises the trait; (c) backcrossing the selected progeny plant with a plant of the same line utilized as the recurrent parent in step (a) to produce at least one backcross progeny plant; (d) selecting a backcross progeny plant that comprises the trait; and (e) repeating steps (c) and (d) three or more times to produce a selected fourth or higher generation backcross progeny plant that comprises the trait and otherwise comprises all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of the recurrent parent line utilized in step (a).
 12. A pepper plant produced by the method of claim
 11. 13. A method of producing a pepper plant comprising an added trait, the method comprising introducing a transgene conferring the trait into the plant of claim
 1. 14. A pepper plant produced by the method of claim 13, wherein said plant comprises said trait and otherwise comprises all of the morphological and physiological characteristics of said pepper plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper SMY-E716-0811 or pepper line SMY-E716-0827.
 15. A pepper plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper line SMY-E716-0811 or pepper line SMY-E716-0827, a sample of seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-125023 and ATCC Accession Number PTA-125024, respectively, further comprising a transgene.
 16. The plant of claim 15, wherein the transgene confers a trait selected from the group consisting of male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism, and modified protein metabolism.
 17. A pepper plant comprising at least a first set of the chromosomes of pepper line SMY-E716-0811 or pepper line SMY-E716-0827, a sample of seed of said lines having been deposited under ATCC Accession Number PTA-125023 and ATCC Accession Number PTA-125024, respectively, further comprising a single locus conversion.
 18. The plant of claim 17, wherein the single locus conversion confers a trait selected from the group consisting of male sterility, herbicide tolerance, insect resistance, pest resistance, disease resistance, modified fatty acid metabolism, environmental stress tolerance, modified carbohydrate metabolism, and modified protein metabolism.
 19. A method for producing a seed of a pepper plant derived from at least one of pepper hybrid SVPS5059, pepper line SMY-E716-0811, or pepper line SMY-E716-0827, the method comprising the steps of: (a) crossing the plant of claim 1 with itself or a different pepper plant; and (b) allowing a seed of a pepper hybrid SVPS5059-derived, pepper line SMY-E716-0811-derived, or pepper line SMY-E716-0827-derived pepper plant to form.
 20. A method of producing a seed of a pepper hybrid SVPS5059-derived, pepper line SMY-E716-0811-derived, or pepper line SMY-E716-0827-derived pepper plant, the method comprising the steps of: (a) producing a pepper hybrid SVPS5059-derived, pepper line SMY-E716-0811-derived, or pepper line SMY-E716-0827-derived pepper plant from a seed produced by crossing the plant of claim 1 with itself or a different pepper plant; and (b) crossing the pepper hybrid SVPS5059-derived, pepper line SMY-E716-0811-derived, or pepper line SMY-E716-0827-derived pepper plant with itself or a different pepper plant to obtain a seed of a further pepper hybrid SVPS5059-derived, pepper line SMY-E716-0811-derived, or pepper line SMY-E716-0827-derived pepper plant.
 21. The method of claim 20, the method further comprising repeating said producing and crossing steps of (a) and (b) using the seed from said step (b) for at least one generation to produce a seed of an additional pepper hybrid SVPS5059-derived, pepper line SMY-E716-0811-derived, or pepper line SMY-E716-0827-derived pepper plant.
 22. A method of producing a pepper fruit, the method comprising: (a) obtaining the plant of claim 1, wherein the plant has been cultivated to maturity; and (b) collecting a pepper fruit from the plant. 